The problematic and controversial history of the IUD will always be met with gasps and not the good kind.
Intrauterine devices had a shaky start in 1901. The first design was published by Dr Richard Richter who used strands of silkworm guts.
Famous German scientist Ernst Gräfenberg (who allegedly discovered the G-spot) improved on Richter’s design with a ring-shaped device.
IUDs are considered one of the most effective and safest types of birth control options available. In light of the Paragard IUD lawsuit, this might not be the case for long.
For years, women complained that their IUDs had broken while in use. By 2023, about 6,000 breakage accounts had been reported, increasing calls for more research.
Paragard: The Culprit Comes to Light
One device, in particular, the Paragard IUD, had come under scrutiny. TND reported that the device had broken thousands of times, leading to serious health complications.
Now that the Paragard IUD lawsuit is in full swing, Paragard lawyers are urging women to come forward. The Paragard IUD lawsuit settlement amounts could mean higher compensation for women who suffered severe damage.
Below, we’ll discuss how the health struggles with the Paragard IUD led to a nationwide lawsuit.
FDA Raises Red Flags
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noticed a surge in complaints associated with CooperSurgical’s Paragard IUD. Some symptoms were internal bleeding, infections, and organ damage.
Damage occurred in two ways: the device broke up during removal, or the IUD migrated inside the body.
According to Spotlight on America, the FDA inspected CooperSurgical’s Buffalo plant. A review was handed to the company but no further action was taken.
The lawsuit alleges that Paragard T’s plastic arms were prone to breaking, reported Medtruth. This resulted in shards of plastic remaining in the body. Medtruth added that over 38,000 Paragard injuries or adverse reactions had already been reported to the FDA.
While there is no Paragard class action lawsuit, TorHoerman Law says the lawsuits are consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). It aims to prove CooperSurgical’s responsibility for not including clear warnings about the device’s propensity to break.
Women Share Their Horror Stories
When Jennifer Davis’ doctor tried to remove her Paragard IUD, she experienced excruciating pain. After the second failed attempt, they resorted to surgery.
The IUD had fragmented into three pieces. Two migrated and lodged near her fallopian tubes. The third was embedded in her uterus. Out of fear of possible health complications, she underwent a hysterectomy.
Thousands of other women shared similar stories. And yet, the manufacturers dispute allegations that they didn’t sufficiently warn women about the risks.
Even after the FDA issued a warning to the company to change its misleading advertising, CooperSurgical downplayed the possible dangers. It noted that breakage during “non-surgical removal has been reported.”
Rachael Z says she first started experiencing heavy bleeding with her Paragard IUD a few weeks before she was due for breast reconstructive surgery. She tells Giddy that an ultrasound found it was embedded in her uterus.
During the removal process, they struggled to locate the other half of the device.
Potential Settlement Amounts
Any person who has suffered injuries due to a Paragard IUD could be eligible to file a Paragard lawsuit.
Paragard attorneys say as with all liability cases, CooperSurgical and Teva Pharmaceuticals should bear the responsibility if a court rules in favor of the plaintiffs.
Both companies have to pay compensation for damages, including medical expenses and pain and suffering. Compensation can happen in two ways – a lump sum or structured payment.
Lawyers estimate that each plaintiff could receive between $10,000 and $400,000, depending on the severity of the injury.
Paragard attorneys based the estimates on previous lawsuits with similar claims. However, there is no guarantee of financial compensation in the Paragard IUD defect lawsuits.
Closing the Gender Health Gap
The Paragard IUD lawsuit may have reignited a lesser conversation on the gender health gap.
According to the World Economic Forum, only 1% of global healthcare research and development is dedicated to female conditions.
A report in collaboration with McKinsey Health Institute found that women spend 25% more of their lives being ill. This is despite having a higher life expectancy rate than men.
The report concluded that the gender health gap needs to be addressed. If successful proposals are implemented, we could boost the global economy by $1 trillion annually by 2040.
If you think you qualify for the Paragard IUD lawsuits, consult a lawyer to file a Paragard lawsuit on your behalf.
